COVID-19 in Children with Cancer

Curr Oncol Rep. 2022 Mar;24(3):295-302. doi: 10.1007/s11912-022-01207-1. Epub 2022 Feb 3.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This study aims to describe what is currently known about how children with cancer have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including morbidity and mortality, interruptions in cancer care and delays in diagnosis, and psychosocial effects. Here we summarize the literature on how this patient population has fared during the pandemic, reviewing multiple smaller reports along with two large registries.

Recent findings: Although children with cancer generally have better outcomes with COVID-19 infection than adults with cancer, their risks of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death are greatly increased compared to the general pediatric population. There are socioeconomic and ethnic disparities present in these effects. Children with cancer experience significant risks from the COVID-19 pandemic. It has yet to be seen how delays and interruptions of cancer treatment and direct organ toxicities caused by the virus itself may affect long-term outcomes in these patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; Oncology; Pediatric.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Child
  • Family / psychology
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severity of Illness Index